Born: 1939 (Wolverhampton, England)
Died: 2017
Biography:
Rachael Heyhoe Flint, Baroness Heyhoe Flint, OBE, DL (née Heyhoe; 11 June 1939 – 18 January 2017) was an English cricketer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She was a trailblazer in women’s cricket and made significant contributions both on and off the field. Heyhoe Flint is best known for her captaincy of the England women’s cricket team from 1966 to 1978 and her unbeatable record in six Test series.
Born on June 11, 1939, in Wolverhampton, Rachael Heyhoe was the daughter of Roma Crocker and Geoffrey Heyhoe, both physical education teachers who met while studying in Denmark. She received her education at the prestigious Wolverhampton Girls’ High School from 1950 to 1957, and later attended Dartford College of Physical Education (now a part of the University of Greenwich) until 1960.
Heyhoe Flint was a right-handed batter and occasional leg-spin bowler. Her cricket career spanned from 1960 to 1982, during which she played a total of 22 Women’s Test cricket matches. She maintained an outstanding batting average of 45.54 in 38 innings. Known for her resilience and determination, Heyhoe Flint scored three Test centuries, including her highest score of 179 not out against Australia at the Oval in 1976. This remarkable innings lasted for more than 8½ hours and secured a draw, thus saving the series. She also took three Test wickets throughout her career.
In addition to Test matches, Heyhoe Flint also played in 23 Women’s One Day Internationals and boasted an impressive batting average of 58.45, with a top score of 114. During her twelve-year captaincy tenure with the England women’s cricket team, from 1966 to 1978, her leadership skills were unrivaled, as her team never lost a match.
Heyhoe Flint’s most notable achievement came in 1973 when she led the English team to victory in the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup. As captain, she played a crucial role in securing funding for the tournament from her friend Jack Hayward. Heyhoe Flint played a remarkable innings in the final, scoring a half-century to guide England to a triumphant win against Australia at Edgbaston on 28 July 1973.
She was not only a pioneer in cricket but also in women’s sports overall. In 1963, Heyhoe Flint became the first female cricketer to hit a six in a Test match. She also became one of the first ten women to be recognized as a member of the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Off the field, Heyhoe Flint was instrumental in reshaping women’s cricket and advocating for its recognition. She played a crucial role in the efforts to establish the first Women’s World Cup, proving her determination and commitment to the sport. Heyhoe Flint’s influence extended beyond cricket, as she also represented England as a goalkeeper in the national field hockey team in 1964.
Renowned cricket journalist Scyld Berry described Heyhoe Flint as the Dr WG Grace of women’s cricket, acknowledging her immense contributions and acknowledging that the sport would not be what it is today without her pioneering efforts.
Throughout her life, Heyhoe Flint remained dedicated to driving progress for women in sports. She became an inspiration for generations of women cricketers, breaking stereotypes and proving that they are just as capable as their male counterparts. Her unwavering passion for the game and her continued efforts to promote and develop women’s cricket cemented her as a true icon of the sport.
Awards:
– Order of the British Empire (OBE)
– Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
– Baroness Heyhoe Flint